`Today' Hits The Road For Springsteen Concert

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NBC's Today will take a rare one-day road trip down the Jersey Shore for an even rarer live television performance by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Today producers will move the three-hour program to Springsteen's old stomping ground in Asbury Park on July 30, to coincide with the release of the Jersey-bred rocker's first studio album with the E Streeters since 1984.

Details are still being worked out, but plans call for Springsteen to perform at least four songs and chat with show hosts Matt Lauer and Katie Couric, who, along with Al Roker, will be in Asbury Park.

It's the first time Today producers have moved the entire show for a concert performance. To that end, it will be one of only a handful of live TV performances ever for Springsteen. He last appeared live on the post-Sept. 11 benefit telethon. Before that, he was on Saturday Night Live in the early '90s, though not with the E Street Band.

Since launching the Today outdoor concert series seven years ago, show producers have frequently asked Springsteen to appear, though until now, they were unsuccessful. Today staffers have also wanted to do a beach-themed show. With Springsteen's new album on the way, they're able to do both.

Where Today will set up is uncertain. Springsteen has held near-annual Christmas benefit shows at Convention Hall, adjacent to the beach, and there's also the Paramount Theater, which regularly holds concerts.

But no matter where the event is held, it's sure to draw a huge crowd of Springsteen loyalists. In the past, when Today has held concerts in Rockefeller Plaza, several thousand people have turned up to see such acts as Ricky Martin and Britney Spears.